Traveling soon? Let’s talk United Airlines baggage fees, because nobody wants a surprise at the gate. Whether you’re flying cross-country or across oceans, United Airlines baggage fees can sneak up fast if you’re not prepared. I’ve paid my share of United Airlines baggage fees the hard way, so here’s the straight scoop in plain language—about 500 words of real talk to save your wallet.
Carry-Ons & Personal Items (The Free Zone—Mostly)
Good news first: United Airlines baggage fees don’t apply to your carry-on and personal item—if you’re not in Basic Economy. One carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (like a laptop bag or purse) fly free in Economy, Premium, and First. But here’s the catch: Basic Economy passengers face United Airlines baggage fees for that carry-on. Gate-check it? That’s $35. Want it overhead? Pay $30–$40 online ahead. I once stuffed a week’s worth of clothes into a “personal item” to dodge United Airlines baggage fees—it worked, barely.
Checked Bags: Where United Airlines Baggage Fees Really Hit
Now, the big one: checked luggage. United Airlines baggage fees for checked bags start at $40 for the first bag if you prepay online (or $45 at the airport—yes, they charge $5 more to punish procrastination). Second bag? Another $50 prepaid, $55 at the counter. International? United Airlines baggage fees jump to $65+ for the first bag, depending on where you’re going.
Weight and size matter too. Standard limit: 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (L+W+H). Go over? United Airlines baggage fees add $100 for 51–70 lbs or oversized, $200 for 71–100 lbs. I saw a guy pay $300 in United Airlines baggage fees for a surfboard that was one inch too long. Measure twice, pack once.
How to Dodge United Airlines Baggage Fees
MileagePlus Premier or United Credit Card: Silver and up get 1–3 free checked bags. The United Explorer Card? First bag free for you and a companion.
Military: Up to 5 free checked bags on domestic flights.
Prepay Online: Save $5–$10 per bag vs. airport rates.
Ship Ahead: Services like Luggage Forward or UPS can cost less than United Airlines baggage fees for heavy bags.
Pack Light: A 49-pound bag = zero United Airlines baggage fees.
Special Items & Exceptions
Strollers, car seats, wheelchairs: Always free—no United Airlines baggage fees.
Sports gear: Golf bags, skis, bikes? Flat $150–$300 in United Airlines baggage fees, but often cheaper than overweight charges.
Pets: In-cabin? $125. Checked? United no longer accepts checked pets—another reason to avoid United Airlines baggage fees for Fido.
Pro Tip: Use United’s Baggage Calculator
Before you zip that suitcase, go to United.com and use their baggage fee calculator. Enter your route, cabin, and loyalty status—it spits out exact United Airlines baggage fees in seconds. I do this religiously now.
Also Read: Southwest Airlines baggage policy
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